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DEC Announces Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and
Tiger Muskellunge Fishing Season Opens May 1
Published: April 26, 2024 at
03:30 p.m.
By: Press Release from NYS DEC
DEC Announces Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and
Tiger Muskellunge Fishing Season Opens May 1
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean
Mahar today announced the fishing season for walleye, Northern pike,
pickerel, and tiger muskellunge begins on May 1.
"New York is
home to exceptional coolwater fishing
opportunities, with many lakes and rivers renowned for abundant walleye and
aggressive pike and pickerel,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “We
hope that all anglers find the time to enjoy these fishing opportunities in
2024 and encourage those with more experience to share their enjoyment by
introducing someone new to the sport.”
Walleye are
challenging to catch and delicious to eat, making them one of the most
prized sportfish in New York. As the largest member of the perch family,
adult walleye typically weigh one to three pounds,
but they can get much larger. The state record is a remarkable 18-pound
2-ounce giant caught from the St. Lawrence River in 2018. Anglers
don't have to look far to find exciting walleye fishing opportunities in
New York, as they are found in more than 140 waterbodies
across the state. Northern pike are another
popular spring target for anglers. These fish can also be found throughout
much of the state, and opportunities for trophy-size fish are available in a number of waters, especially in the northeast and
west.
Visit DEC’s
website for information on where to go fishing for walleye, pike, and other coolwater
sportfish and check out the Tacklebox feature of the HuntFishNY app. Anglers who
enjoy eating their catch are encouraged to check the latest New York State Department of Health Fish Advisories for
2024. Changes include more protective statewide advice for some
species.
DEC’s Bureau of
Fisheries recognizes catches of big sportfish, including state records,
through the Angler Achievement Awards program. This program was updated for
2024 with new rules, prizes, and ways to submit entries. The list of
eligible species has also been expanded and now includes an award category
for youth anglers. More information is available on DEC’s New York Angler Achievement Awards Program webpage.
DEC reminds New
Yorkers that boats, trailers, waders and other fishing equipment can spread
harmful aquatic invasive species from waterbody to
waterbody unless properly cleaned after use. DEC regulations prohibit boats from launching or
leaving sites without first draining the boat and cleaning the boat,
trailer, and equipment. Furthermore, many New York counties, towns,
and villages also have laws in place that prohibit the transport of aquatic
invasive species on boats, trailers and equipment.
To avoid
spreading invasive species, follow the 'Clean. Drain. Dry.' method for
properly disinfecting boats and equipment before launching. If
needing help, many public boat launches have boat stewards
on site to inspect watercraft and gear.
DEC also
encourages anglers to commit to responsible fishing practices by following
guidelines. To prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS),
anglers are advised to always clean, drain, and dry boat/fishing equipment and
practice proper use and disposal of unwanted baitfish. Report
any invasive species to the iMapInvasives website. DEC and partners,
including the New York State Canal Corporation, are continuing to support
comprehensive efforts to protect New York's waters.
For information
on freshwater fishing regulations, visit DEC’s website. Information on fishing access is
available through the DECinfo Locator and in the Tackle Box feature of the HuntFishNY app.
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